About
Studio Zoo.
Founded in 2009, we work with an eclectic range of clients across the products and service sectors; from the professional services sector, to food, beverage & product producers, big and small.
We work across numerous areas of design, and partner with many other wonderful and talented companies to create outstanding, memorable and purposeful work.
We specialise in creating unique brand identities & packaging solutions for the food and drinks industry in particular; and our input is designed to transform, accelerate and enhance our clients products and make them stand out in store and online.
Our vision and ethos is based on the simple premise that our ideas and designs always serve their intended purpose.
About
Cathy Murray.
Cathy Murray is a creative director, brand strategist and founder of Studio Zoo, an independent Irish design studio specialising in brand identity, visual storytelling & creative direction.
Over the past two decades, she has partnered with ambitious founders, cultural organisations, hospitality brands and purpose-led businesses to build brands that people genuinely connect with. Her work spans identity systems, campaigns, packaging, digital experiences and creative strategy, always grounded in the belief that great design should make people feel something before it asks them to buy something.
Cathy’s strength lies in uncovering the emotional core of a brand and translating it into visual worlds, ideas and experiences that feel both meaningful and commercially resonant. From shaping early-stage concepts to bringing campaigns and physical spaces to life, Cathy combines strategic thinking with a highly intuitive creative process rooted in curiosity, collaboration and human insight.
Cathy works closely with clients to craft brands that are culturally relevant, emotionally intelligent and built to last. Her approach blends strong conceptual thinking with thoughtful execution, helping organisations move beyond aesthetics to create deeper audience connection, participation and loyalty. Across every project, her focus remains the same: creating ideas, identities and experiences that people remember - and want to belong to.
The Cornerstone of Success.
In essence, a brand serves as the guiding force behind design decisions, shaping how a company presents itself to the world and how consumers perceive and interact with it. Design, in turn, brings the brand to life visually, creating memorable and meaningful experiences for consumers.
Together, they form the foundation upon which successful businesses are built. And this is why…
-
A brand encapsulates the essence of a company, product, or service. It represents its values, mission, and personality. In design, elements such as the mark, colour choice, typography, and imagery are used to visually express this identity. Consistent use of these elements across various design materials helps in instant recognition and association with the brand.
-
In a competitive market, a brand helps differentiate one product or service from another. Design plays a crucial role in creating a unique visual identity that sets a brand apart from its competitors. Memorable and distinctive design elements help consumers identify and remember the brand, fostering brand loyalty and trust.
-
Design is a powerful tool for communicating the brand's message, values, and offerings to its target audience. Whether through packaging, advertising, websites, or other marketing materials, design helps convey the brand's story and evoke emotions that resonate with consumers. Effective design can evoke trust, excitement, or desire, influencing consumer perceptions and behaviors.
-
A strong brand is built on consistency and cohesion across all touchpoints. Design ensures that every interaction with the brand—from a website visit to product packaging—is cohesive and aligned with the brand's identity and message. Consistent design builds brand recognition and fosters a sense of reliability and trustworthiness.
-
Investing in a strong brand and well-executed design has long-term benefits. A compelling brand and design strategy can build brand equity, increasing the perceived value of the brand and its offerings over time. Strong brands command premium pricing, enjoy greater customer loyalty, and are more resilient to market fluctuations.